(Garden by the Sea)
The village of Jardim do Mar looks out to sea at the foot of spectacular cliffs.
It is a 45 minute drive from the airport on the sunny southwest-facing shore.
This tranquil unspoiled village of old stone houses, narrow cobbled streets and lush gardens
is widely considered by both tourists and Madeirans to be one of the most beautiful villages on the island.
It is a small village with a population of c350 and is noted for its world class surfing. The village has a small hotel with a restaurant, two friendly bars which also serve meals, and a small village shop.
A new car park at the edge of the village leaves the village square largely free of parked cars.
Access to most of the village is by cobbled footpaths from the square.
A seafront pedestrian promenade provides a beautiful setting for a pleasant stroll.
The little harbour has a slipway for small boats, a clean pebble beach for swimming and snorkelling,
and nearby beach-bar.
The next village Calheta (5 min. drive) has a busy marina, a sandy bathing beach,
shops, supermarket and several more restaurants.
Whale and dolphin watching or fishing excursions can be arranged from Calheta.
A hire car is virtually essential as the village has minimal public transport.
Some of the island's finest scenery and walking are within a 20 minute drive into the mountains.
